Question

a nurse collects nutritional data from a client and determines that the client is underweight and needs to increase daily caloric intake. which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

recommend a referral for a dietary consult.

create a menu plan based on the clients preferences.

set a goal with the client for weight gain.

instruct the client to record daily caloric intake.

Explanation:

In nursing practice, when a client has a nutritional need (here, underweight and needing increased caloric intake), the first step is often to involve a specialized professional. A dietary consult referral (Option 1) brings in an expert (dietitian) who can comprehensively assess the client's nutritional status, taking into account medical conditions, cultural factors, etc. Creating a menu plan (Option 2) without a full - scale expert assessment may miss key details. Setting a weight - gain goal (Option 3) is important but is part of a later collaborative process after a proper assessment. Instructing to record caloric intake (Option 4) is a data - collection method but not the first action when a more in - depth nutritional evaluation by a specialist is required.

Answer:

Recommend a referral for a dietary consult.